1. Commander Cave on Route 20 Victory Road

Route 20 Victory Road, lying deep within the core of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, was once a lifeline of the Ho Chi Minh Trail—an artery that carried supplies and hope from the North to the South during the resistance war against America. Along this legendary path, beside the Eight Ladies Cave, Ta Le Stream Crossing, and Xuan Son Ferry, stands Commander Cave—the very “nerve center” of the Truong Son battlefield.

Located near Ta Le, the cave was chosen as the command hub of Regiment 559 – Station 14. From this hidden fortress, decisive orders were given, directing hundreds of convoys through storms of bombs and fire, ensuring weapons and provisions reached the frontlines. The grand limestone cave, with its seven deep levels, was transformed into an advanced command post, a strategic warehouse, and even a field surgery station.

Every carved rock niche, every rough wooden table, every hand-engraved mark still remains—silent yet vivid witnesses of those fierce days. Veterans who have returned often recall with emotion: “Bombs shook the earth above us, but commands were still delivered without pause, keeping Route 20 forever unbroken.”

Amid endless darkness and thunderous bombardments, Commander Cave sustained the lifeline of the Truong Son Trail—nurturing faith, courage, and the unyielding will that carried Vietnam through its long march to victory.

2. Location of Commander Cave

Situated at Kilometer 12 along the historic Route 20 Victory Road, just a 20-minute drive from Phong Nha town, Commander Cave once served as the “silent heart” of the supply line to the South during the resistance war against America.

3. Activities and Exhibition Space

Today, Commander Cave is no longer a “military secret” but has become a remarkable destination—where visitors not only marvel at nature but also relive moments of heroic history. A visit can last from one to three hours, guiding travelers through three powerful streams of emotion:

A. VR360 9D Immersive Experience

Seated in a replica of the iconic Zil-130 transport truck—the symbol of the Truong Son Trail—visitors are transported back to the fiery war years. With VR360 9D technology, every sensation feels real: the thunder of bombs shaking the sky, the acrid sting of gunpowder smoke, the scorching heat, and even the jolting vibrations of wartime roads. It is a rare moment of truly “living” the experience of a Truong Son soldier.

B. Outdoor Exhibition Areas

• Road-Building Tools on Route 20: From rudimentary picks and shovels to the extraordinary determination of 8,000 young volunteers who carved the legendary road that broke through enemy blockades.

• Strategic Supply Cargo: A vivid reenactment of the weapons, food, and essential goods transported day and night through dense forests, braving relentless bombs and fire.

• American Bombs and Shell Casings: These “iron witnesses” reveal the sheer scale of destruction, while at the same time testifying to the unyielding resilience and vitality of the Truong Son Trail.

C. The Seven Levels Inside Commander Cave

Each level of the cave preserves a fragment of memory:

• Level 1: A medical station where wounded soldiers were treated and brought back from the brink of death.

• Levels 2 & 5: Storage areas for supplies, food, and weapons.

• Level 3: The communications room—the vital bridge connecting the battlefield.

• Level 4: The command post—where critical decisions were made.

• Level 6: A gathering space showcasing soldiers’ relics and personal artifacts.

• Level 7: A communal living and meeting area—where the warmth of comradeship lit up the darkness.

Thus, Commander Cave was not only a colossal wartime fortress but also an “underground home” for an entire generation.

4. Tourist Information

Today, Commander Cave welcomes visitors from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, including weekends and public holidays. Ticket prices are flexibly structured, with special discounts for students, veterans, and seniors. Children under 1.2 meters tall or under 6 years old enjoy free admission (except for the VR360 experience, due to safety reasons).

The site also features a restaurant, souvenir shop, and guided tour services. Visitors can easily combine their Commander Cave journey with nearby attractions: Ozo Treetop Park (50m), Eight Youth Volunteers Cave (4km), Paradise Cave (10km), Mooc Spring (12km), and Phong Nha Cave (14km).

5. Contact Information

To make your journey to Commander Cave—the “heart of memory” along the legendary Truong Son Trail—truly meaningful, let Phong Nha Viet accompany you.

Phong Nha Viet
📍 Address: 46 Ba Trieu Street, Dong Hoi, Quang Tri
📞 Hotline: +84 911 367 789 – +84 889 690 777
✉️ Email: phongnha.vie@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://phongnhaviet.com

Phong Nha Viet is honored to be your bridge back to history—helping you touch the echoes of heroism and feel the profound beauty of this heritage.